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Journal of the Dead

by Jason Kersten
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Published by HarperCollins
A New York Times Notable Book, Journal of the Dead is “a taut, expertly researched true crime narrative” (Boston Herald) from reporter Jason Kersten.

“A powerful story . . . one hell of a fascinating ride.” —National Geographic Adventure

I killed and buried my best friend today . . .

When authorities found Raffi Kodikian—barely alive—four days after he and his friend David Coughlin became lost in Rattlesnake Canyon, they made a grim and shocking discovery. Kodikian freely admitted that he had stabbed Coughlin twice in the heart. Had there been a darker motive than mercy? And how could anyone, under any circumstances, kill his best friend?

Armed with the journal Kodikian and Coughlin carried into Rattlesnake Canyon, Jason Kersten re-creates in riveting detail those fateful days that led to the killing in an infamously unforgiving wilderness.

“Wholly absorbing.” —New York Times Book Review

“A fascinating case, a fascinating book.” —Anderson Cooper, CNN

“A true American tragedy, beautifully written.” —New York Times bestselling author Tony Hillerman

“Five stars. As tough to put down as Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild.” —Maxim

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